Amplifying Inclusive Employment in SMEs: A Systematic Approach Towards Supporting Disabled and Socially Disadvantaged Operators

Amberlynn Bonello (), Emmanuel Francalanza (), Charlotte Haid (), Jona Rief (), Florian Ried () and Jannicke Baalsrud Hauge ()
Additional contact information
Amberlynn Bonello: Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Emmanuel Francalanza: Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Charlotte Haid: School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich
Jona Rief: School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich
Florian Ried: School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich
Jannicke Baalsrud Hauge: KTH-Royal Institute of Technology

Chapter 12 in Industry 5.0 for SMEs, 2026, pp 355-379 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter presents a novel framework designed to enhance inclusive task design for operators with disabilities in manufacturing and industrial environments. The framework focuses on the abilities of the workers and maps these to assistive technologies in line with Industry 5.0 principles. A multi-disciplinary approach, which combines human function classifications from the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) framework, manufacturing ISO standards, and first-hand observations was used to develop a comprehensive list of abilities, ranging from cognitive, sensory, and motor functions. The latter are categorised in detail to assess the specific requirements of manufacturing tasks, which are then matched with Industry 5.0 enabling technologies, such as collaborative robots (cobots) and emerging technologies like blockchain and 6G. The proposed approach challenges traditional competency mapping by emphasising task-based assessments over impairment-based classifications. Case studies from SMEs illustrate the applicability and benefits of this methodology, highlighting its potential for fostering a more inclusive, flexible, and supportive work environment. The chapter contributes to bridging the gap between disabilities and manufacturing task requirements, offering a practical framework for SMEs to enhance workforce inclusion through technological integration.

Keywords: Competency mapping; Industrial tasks; Quantification; Inclusive manufacturing; I5.0 enabling technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-26279-0_12

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783032262790

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-26279-0_12

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Books from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().